In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Payaḥsnāna (पयःस्नान, “milk”) refers to the “ceremonial ablution with milk”, as mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.20 while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen phallic image (pārthiva-liṅga) according to the Vedic rites:—“[...] the ceremonial ablution with milk (payaḥsnāna) shall be performed with the mantra ‘Payaḥ Pṛthivyām’ etc. The ceremonial ablution with curd shall be performed with the mantra ‘Dadhi Krāvṇaḥ’ etc.”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Ganapatya (worship of Ganesha)

Source: Google Books: Ganapati: Song of the Self

Payaḥsnāna (पयःस्नान) or “bath with milk” refers to a type of ceremonial bath (snāna), representing one of the sixteen Ṣoḍaśopacāra, which are preliminary rites (upacāra) of a pūjā (deity worship).—Of the various types of pūjās, the one with sixteen (ṣoḍaśa) items or offerings (upacāra) is very common. This type of ritual consists of preliminary acts [viz payaḥsnāna] including rites for the purification of the devotee and the implements used in the pūjā, removal of obstacles and declaration (saṃkalpa) to perform the worship.

context information

Ganapatya (गाणपत्य, gāṇapatya) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Ganesha is revered and worshipped as the prime deity (ishta-devata). Being a minor though influential movement, Ganapatya evovled, llike Shaktism and Shaivism, as a separate movement leaving behind a large body of literature.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: ACHC: Smarta Puja

Payaḥsnāna (पयःस्नान) refers to a “ceremonial bath with milk” representing one of the five types of snāna or snānīya, which is one of the various services (upacāra) of a pūjā (ritualistic worship of a deity) which aim at the purification of the devotee.—Next [after being bathed with pure water] the icon is bathed with milk, while the devotee recites a verse from a hymn to soma (Ṛgveda 1.91.16; also Ṛgveda 9.31.4), which suggests an identification of milk and soma. This mantra is employed in different contexts; according to several texts it is recited when milk is being added as an ingredient to the mixture of the five cow-products (pañcagavya).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Payah, Snana, Payas.

Full-text: Snana, Pancamrita.

Relevant text

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